Dar reviews PIA’s matters

Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar here on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review management and financial matters of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in the light of the revamping plan envisaged by the government.

Secretary Aviation Division, Muhammad Irfan Elahi, briefed the meeting in detail about the current financial profile of PIA and the recent improvement achieved in its operating performance.

Chief Executive Officer, PIACL, Bernd Hildenbrand shared with the meeting efforts to refurbish different aircraft and informed about the plan to acquire new aircraft.

He also briefed the meeting on measures to upgrade in-flight services for comfort and facilitation of passengers both on domestic and international flights.

He informed that over 90 percent of PIA’s flights were on-time which was praised by all. Chairman PIACL, Muhammad Azam Saigol informed the meeting that efforts are afoot to improve the service delivery and overall working of the airline to bring it to international standards.

The meeting noted with satisfaction, efforts by the PIA administration for improving service delivery. The finance minister said that as a national airline it was desired of PIA to offer travel and cargo services in line with international standards. He said financial discipline along with quality management would help get the desired service levels.

The minister added that the government was fully prepared to support all efforts aimed at improvement in PIA’s services. He called for continued efforts to enable PIA to regain its lost glory. Senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, Aviations Division and PIACL attended the meeting. -PR